Gavin Rich makes a compelling case that Leinster and Ulster reaching their respective EPCR finals is quietly good news for the Stormers, Lions, and Bulls heading into the final two URC rounds. The central argument: both Irish sides now face genuine selection dilemmas, and rotation or second-string XVs could open doors the SA teams desperately need.
For the Lions, a potentially weakened Leinster in Dublin on Saturday represents a realistic shot at cementing a top-four finish — one that would also help the Stormers by keeping Leinster's log pressure in check. The Stormers' trip to Ravenhill is framed as the bigger test, though Ulster's injury toll from their Challenge Cup semifinal — including concerns over McCloskey and Stockdale — and the looming Montpellier final add variables Dobson's side can exploit. The Bulls, sitting seventh, remain mathematically alive with two home games against Italian opposition, but need SA results to fall their way. Rich maps out exactly who needs what across the final two rounds — worth reading if you're tracking the log permutations closely.